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Pullman School District previews $47.3 million 2026—27 budget, flags staffing and program shortfalls
Summary
District finance staff presented a proposed $47,335,392 general fund budget and four-year enrollment projection June 10, citing staffing-driven overspending in special education and English-language development programs and announcing a public hearing for June 24.
The Pullman School District on June 10 presented its proposed 2026—27 general fund budget of $47,335,392 and a four-year enrollment projection, warning that staffing needs have driven current-year overspending in several programs and that a public hearing on the budget is scheduled for June 24.
Finance director Diane (presenting to the board) framed the budget around four pillars: staffing and class size, programs and services, infrastructure and operations, and contractual obligations. She said the district is budgeting to reach a 10% minimum fund balance to prepare for emergencies and sustain operations.
Diane outlined staffing assumptions and current variances. The district estimates 2,624 full-time-equivalent students for 2025—26 and budgeted for roughly 200.9 certificated and 107 classified staff. She told the board the district is running above state-funded staffing levels and that program-specific overspending remains, noting that special education and English-Language Development (ELD) programs exceed state allocations this year.
For 2026—27, the budget proposal budgets additional positions in targeted areas: an added van driver, a potential health aide, additional EL paraprofessional support, and more special-education paraprofessional or certificated staff tied to enrollment growth. Diane also identified potential capital projects that may be funded through the capital projects fund, including roof work at Jefferson and Franklin and a possible turf grant for Pullman High School.
On revenue, Diane described the district's mix: state apportionment as the largest source, a local levy certified with the county at approximately $6.3 million, federal and other state grants, and program-specific funds (special education, EL, highly capable). She said a recent OSPI budget extension will reduce the projected shortfall compared with earlier estimates but that projected expenditures still exceed state funding in several programs.
Board members asked procedural and program questions about staffing and enrollment assumptions; Diane reiterated that the formal budget adoption process will continue after the June 24 public hearing.
The board scheduled a public hearing on the 2026—27 budget for June 24. No formal adoption vote occurred on June 10.
